Essential wines from historic Veneto in Northern Italy
We are headed to Italy, to a historic area called Veneto In Northern Italy. Viticulture has been used in the Veneto region since at least the time of the ancient Greeks. And wine expert Angela Aiello showcases some wines from the region.
“Today, we are discovering the queen of Italy,” said Aiello. “Amarone.”
This wine is found in a historic area called Veneto in Northern Italy. Viticulture has been used in the Veneto region since at least the time of the ancient Greeks. The area is called Valpolicella.
Valpolicella translates to “valley of many cellars.” It is known for revered, savory red wines. It is a 240-square-kilometer area located in the foothills of the Alps. Aiello says the resulting Valpolicella wines are bright, lively and balanced with savory sour cherry flavours.
“Amarone is made with three indigenous grapes,” said Aiello. “It is made with a process called passimento.”
Amarone wine sits in crates for a while so that 35 per cent of the water from the grapes dehydrates, which results in a more dense and savory wine. Aiello recommends pairing Amarone wines with braised meats.
A great cheaper option is Ripasso. It is made by fermenting standard Valpolicella with a pomace of grape skins. Ripasso is double-processed and its name means “re-pass.”
Below are three wines recommended by Aiello.
- Monte Zovo Sa’ Solin Ripasso Valpolicella $19.95 – 18 MTHS in barrique
- Villa Annaberta Valpolicella Ripasso Superiore $18.15 – 24 MTHS in barrique
- Villa Annaberta Amarone Della Valpolicella DOCG $39.95 – 20MTHS in barrique
